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My Favorite Italian Cookbooks For Beginner Cooks

Last updated on November 1st, 2024

If you are a beginner looking to get your hands dirty and learn the basics of Italian cooking then you are going to need to start with the Bibles of Italian cooking, providing you with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to bring the true essence of Italian cooking to life. 

In this article, I will share my favorite Italian cookbooks for beginner cooks to get started in the kitchen and feel confident based on my extensive time cooking, baking and reading from each. I feel strongly about all five of these Italian cookbooks that I keep in my kitchen and recommend them to anyone because:

  • of their comprehensive collections
  • detailed explanations
  • authenticity
  • regional diversity and inclusion of all Italian foods
  • invaluable information, stories and history of famous Italian food

All of these books provide the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to create delicious and authentic Italian dishes at home for the first time. These books have provided me with timeless wisdom, Italian cooking techniques and culinary expertise, making them vital to my Italian cookbook collection. 

So let’s take a closer look at my favorite Italian cookbooks for beginner cooks. Whether you are shopping for yourself, a friend or dear family member, you can trust that this selection will leave a lasting impression on their culinary experience. 

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Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking

top view of essentials of classic Italian cooking book on a wooden table with a wooden spoon on the side

“Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking” by Marcella Hazan is more than just a cookbook. It’s a comprehensive guide to understanding and mastering Italian cuisine for beginner cooks.

Hazan’s blend of authentic recipes, fundamental techniques, and practical advice makes it an essential resource for anyone serious about cooking Italian food for the first time. 

Combining her earlier books, “The Classic Italian Cook Book” and “More Classic Italian Cooking,” this newest volume distills decades of Marcella Hazan’s culinary expertise and wisdom into the holy grail Italian cookbook. With detailed instructions, practical advice, and a deep appreciation for the simplicity and elegance of Italian cooking, this book is an invaluable resource for beginner cooks. 

If I could only pick one book to give to beginner cooks, this would be it!

Find it here -> Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking

Master the Basics: Learn about traditional Italian ingredients and cooking tools.

The Silver Spoon

top view of the silver spoon cookbook on a wooden background.

“The Silver Spoon,” originally published in Italy as “Il Cucchiaio d’Argento,” is an authoritative and comprehensive guide to Italian cooking, similar to America’s version of “The Joy of Cooking.”

Known as the Bible of authentic Italian cuisine, this book is a must-have for anyone passionate about Italian food and wanting to learn more. 

“The Silver Spoon” covers every aspect of Italian culinary tradition in great detail, from regional specialties to everyday family meals, making it a great tool for beginner cooks. The book ensures that even complex dishes are broken down into manageable steps, although some might argue some steps and techniques are dated.

Nevertheless, not owning this is like not owning “The Joy of Cooking” – which for anyone who loves to cook is sinful!

Find it here -> The Silver Spoon

Pasta Grannies: The Secrets of Italy’s Best Home Cooks

Pasta Grannies cookbook sitting on a wooden surface. The cover shows an older woman's hands holding a plate of homemade pasta with a tomato sauce and cheese.

What better way to learn the basics of Italian cooking than from some of Italy’s best home cooks – le nonne (grannies)? According to this book, there isn’t a better way. This book is my top pick for beginner cooks who want to learn the ins and outs of pasta making from scratch. 

“Pasta Grannies: The Secrets of Italy’s Best Home Cooks” is a heartwarming and informative cookbook that captures the essence of traditional Italian cooking through the stories and recipes of Italy’s most beloved nonne. All of these recipes come from within the greatest minds in Italian cooking, not from a recipe that has been copied down. Lucky for us, these recipes finally have been written down and compiled in one beautiful book about pasta in Italy. 

This book celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Italy by showcasing the skills and stories of Italy’s grandmothers who have perfected the art of pasta making over the centuries. With stunning photography and step-by-step instructions, “Pasta Grannies” is a tribute to the art of cooking Italian food without the modern technology of today. It’s a must-have for anyone passionate about learning to make pasta at home. 

Find it here -> Pasta Grannies

Pasta Lovers: If you really want to learn, be sure to check out
30 Most Popular Italian Pasta Sauces (That We Actually Eat Here in Italy)
Famous Italian Pasta Dishes – by Region

La Cucina: The Regional Cooking Of Italy

top view of la cucina cookbook on a dark marble board.

“La Cucina: The Regional Cooking of Italy by The Italian Academy of Cuisine” holds a special place in my heart. My husband’s grandfather was the president of the Italian Academy of Cuisine for decades before he died in the 1980’s. Today, my Italian in-laws are still both actively involved in the group, attending dinners and events throughout the year. 

This book is an extensive collection of authentic Italian recipes that delves into Italy’s culinary landscape in all 20 regions. This book was written to help preserve this heritage, making it a must-have for any level of Italian homecook. With over 2,000 recipes covering all courses of a traditional Italian meal in precise detail and instruction, “La Cucina” makes it easy to start small and build your way up to more complicated recipes and techniques. 

As the reader grows as a chef and builds upon his or her skill in the kitchen, this book permits him or her to perfect techniques, experiment with different cooking tools, and better understand traditions of Italian cooking. This educational aspect makes it an excellent learning tool for anyone serious about mastering Italian cuisine.

Find it here -> La Cucina

Regional Guides: Read about Italy’s most beloved food in my regional food guides to the most popular destinations in
Traditional Sicilian Food
Traditional Tuscan Food
Umbria Food Guide – A Local’s Recommendations & Tips
Traditional Food In Piedmont– A Local’s Tips on Food In Piedmont You Must Try During Your Visit
Traditional Food of Lazio – 55+ Foods to Know About Before Your Visit 

Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well by Pellegrino Artusi

top view of a white cookbook decorated with fruit drawings entitled science in the kitchen and the art of eating well on a wooden board.

“Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well” by Pellegrino Artusi, was first published in 1891 but remains a cornerstone of Italian culinary literature.

This Italian cookbook is a favorite of mine because it includes detailed instructions for all types of recipes – from the simplest of dishes rooted in la cucina povera to elaborate techniques, allowing beginner Italian cooks to grow and improve as they work their way through the book.

All the recipes are authentic and include detailed instructions helpful for beginner cooks who need clear guidance. In addition, Artusi helps the reader understand how each step is crucial to the final result, deepening one’s knowledge of the principles of Italian cooking and so they can apply them to other recipes. 

From appetizers to dolci, this book covers every aspect of Italian cuisine, making it a top pick for cookbooks to give to beginner Italian cooks. This comprehensive Italian cookbook ensures that you can find recipes for any occasion, from casual family meals to holiday feasts.

Find it here -> Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well

Looking for Italian books? Check out
Italian Cookbooks for Beginner Cooks
Best Italian Cookbooks to Gift
Italian Cocktail Books
Italian Mocktail Books

You may also want to check out my Gift Guides & Souvenir Guides.